Types of Field and English Cocker Spaniels

Spaniels existed in the United Kingdom and Continental Europe for centuries prior to their arrival in the United States. The "toy" breed that exists today is based on the smallest of the spaniels. The larger spaniels, such as the Field Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel, were used as hunting dogs.

  1. Field vs. Cocker Spaniel

    • The Field Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel originated in England several centuries ago and were once one breed. However, in the early 20th century breeders separated the spaniels based on weight. Breeders considered the larger spaniels that weighed more than 25 lbs. as Field Spaniels, and regarded the spaniels that weighed under 25 lbs. as English Cocker Spaniels. Hunters use the larger Field Spaniel to flush game birds into the air, while they use the smaller Cocker Spaniel to hunt woodcock, which hide in dense bushes.

    Field Spaniel

    • The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that hunters use for flushing out small land animals and birds. They are an active, easy-going, and intelligent breed that is happy to work. The fur on the chest, belly, ears and on the back of the legs have a feathery appearance. The Field Spaniel has a long, silky coat that comes in colors of black, liver, or roan. The coat is not as heavy as that of a Cocker Spaniel. The Field Spaniel is somewhat rare and is not as popular as its cousin, the Cocker Spaniel, even though it is a talented tracker, hunter, retriever and watchdog.

    Cocker Spaniel

    • The medium-size English Cocker Spaniel got its name because of its talent for flushing out the woodcock bird. They are a lively, gentle, and affectionate breed. The fur on their body is medium length and shorter on the head. The fur on the ears, chest, abdomen and legs has a feathery appearance. The Cocker Spaniel's silky coat can be solid black, liver, red, or a mix of white with black, liver or red markings.

    Types of Spaniels

    • Some individuals consider any of larger spaniels "field" spaniels because they were bred to hunt on land, such as the Field, Clumber, English Springer, Welsh Springer, and Sussex Spaniels. They flush out game and hunt birds and small mammals. Not all spaniels were bred for hunting on land, like the Irish Water Spaniel and the American Water Spaniel. The English Cocker Spaniel is divided into two types: field and show. The show spaniels have longer coats; the field spaniels are bred for hunting and field trial work. The English Cocker Spaniel has an American cousin called the American Cocker Spaniel. The American Cocker Spaniel was first recognized as a separate breed in 1946. It is smaller and shorter than the English Cocker Spaniel, but it is similar in temperament.